When I installed my headers last time on my SBC, I used the copper gaskets, and made sure the o-rings were facing out (header side). However, my headers leaked...I don't know if they are slightly warped or what. Anyway, I have heard of doubling regular header gaskets...can you double copper gaskets as well? And if so, should I use exhaust puddy, and how much. I would appreciate it someone could help me out on this one.

HEY CHEVY: I had header leaks like sin. I tried everything on the market. Best solution was composition gaskets with aluminim facing from NAPA for $ 8.00. It is good to get the ones that match the opening in the header, some gaskets are square and some are round. Let uknow what works for you. Good luck DAVE E SHANK

Personally I wouldn't have the copper header gaskets shoved up my ***** if I had room for a whole truckload.
I have never had good luck with them(and at $45/set...)
I have had excellent luck with the smashable aluminum gaskets. 1/2 the price and tons better than anything else. You can generally get the smashable ones at about any parts store around.They run about $20-$25/set. Also the collector gaskets are the same way.
Later,
WEIMER

I agree,copper gaskets suck.Doubling up gaskets is a real bad deal because it only makes the headers warp more.I run a single cheapie paper gasket and never have a leak.If your flanges are warped you either need to straighten them or buy new headers,no gasket{s} will make them seal.You should start out by dropping the header down a bit and cleaning the head surface off until it is spotless,then do the same to the header,then install a plain old MR.Gasket whitie in there,and tighen down the bolts,Run the engine until it is hot and let it cool,then retighten the bolts.If it still leaks,you have a header problem,and no trick gasket in the world will hold up in the long run until you fix the headers.Good luck.

you amy also take a trick from the same pontiac guys i stole it from. cut the flanges in between the tubes, like say between the 1 and 3, and the 5 and 7. it helps the header seal better to irregularities in the head, and also takes out some of the warp possibilites. i doubt id have any leaks if i used header gaskets and not the regular exhaust manifold gaskets.
mike

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